PRESS RELEASE – ‘An End to direct Council provided Care’

Standard

Monday 27th October 2014

For Immediate release

Coventry City Council is currently considering ceasing being a direct provider of care and support to citizens. A report posted on their website on 9th September (page 24) reveals the council is undertaking work to “understand the costs and benefits” of ceasing to provide a number of services. These services include

The authority expect this move will reduce the overall cost of social care but could see the loss of in excess of 500 jobs from the council not including the knock on effect on support services to these areas.

UNISON Coventry District Branch, whose motto is “for public service not private profit” is concerned about the impact of these forthcoming decisions upon their members their jobs and the quality services they provide to the most vulnerable in the city. Consistently the impact of local authority budget cuts falls upon the most vulnerable in our communities and those on the lowest pay. The report also highlights the vital role libraries are to play as part of the social care support provision in the city in delivering information and advice, yet this week it was revealed that Libraries also face closure.

Dawn Palmer-Ward, UNISON Corporate Representative for the People Directorate said

“citizens of Coventry need to be aware of the discussions currently taking place within the city council that will have a drastic impact on the services they rely on. Our members’ jobs aren’t the only things at risk when services are run for profit or cease to run at all. It is of particular concern that yet again low paid female workers are likely to bear the brunt of the local authorities drive to balance the budget.”